What is Windows 10 S? How Is Windows 10 S different from Windows 10?

Microsoft on May 2, introduced a new operating system named Windows 10 S. It is being considered as an alternative to google’s Chrome OS. Windows 10 S is going to be a fully-fledged version of Windows 10. It is basically designed for low-cost computers, education-oriented PCs and can also be used in some premium computers.

What does ‘ Windows 10 S ‘ mean?

If you are wondering why this operating system is named ” Windows 10 S “, then there is no specific answer for you. According to Microsoft, this is going to be the best OS for simplicity, security and speed. Maybe that’s why the OS name is Windows 10 S.

How Is Windows 10 S different from Windows 10?

Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro. But still, Windows 10 S is dissimilar in many ways.

1. Faster and Lighter

Windows 10 S will boot 15 seconds faster than a comparable machine running Windows 10 Pro with the same profile and apps installed, and it will run as fast on day 1,000 as it does on day one. The OS is primarily intended for students and academic bodies.

2. Battery Backup

Microsoft also promises Windows 10 S will deliver significantly better battery life than Windows 10. In fact, Microsoft claims its first Windows 10 S computer, the ‘Surface Laptop’, will last up to 14.5 hours on a single charge, and that machine packs a 13.5-inch 1080p touchscreen display.

3. Security

Source: Microsoft

Windows 10 S will also come with Microsoft’s BitLocker encryption system for securing your files in case of theft.  It will also receive the same updates at the same time as other versions of Windows 10.

4. Only Windows Store Apps

Source: Microsoft

Have you ever used Windows Store? If not, you have to use it in Windows 10 S because that is the only way to install apps. You can play any game that can be installed from the Windows Store, which includes both mobile games and AAA games. You can only install the apps present on the Windows Store. Windows 10 S runs these apps, based on the Universal Windows Platform, in a separate container preventing the apps from messing with important system settings and files.

5. No Google chrome, Mozilla

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10 S just like google chrome in chrome OS. You will not able to set google as default search engine. Bing will be the default search engine in Windows 10 S. The Mozilla firefox is also not available in the Windows store so you can not install the Firefox as well. Microsoft said it will not stop them adding their web browsers to the Windows Store.It is not known if or when Google and others will do so.

6. A lot like Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 S and Windows 10 Pro have some similarities as well. Windows S supports Azure AD domain, Windows Update for Business, Windows Store for Business, Mobile Device Management (MDM), Bitlocker, etc. However, it won’t include the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Hyper-V hypervisor.

How much will a Windows 10 S PC cost?

Machines running Windows 10 S will be available from a variety of Microsoft’s PC-making partners, with Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung and Toshiba all producing machines, starting at $189 in the US. Microsoft wants you to try Windows S on their $999 Surface Laptop as well.